The late Davey Mac now the Apple of Cork’s eye

He spent countless hours walking that road, meeting constituents, and enjoying the views over Cork. Now it bears his name, ensuring his work for his beloved northside will never be forgotten.

Emotional tributes were paid yesterday to former Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr David McCarthy, who died in 2011, as a new road around the Apple campus in the City was named in his honour.

His eldest son, Arthur, said it was an emotional but proud day for him, his mother Frances, his brother Dave, their wives, children, and the wider family.

“My youngest son, who is six, was asked the other day what he wanted for Christmas,” Arthur said.

“He said he wanted his granda Dave. He’ll never get that but this is as close to it as he’ll get.

“We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved in this honour.”

Mr McCarthy, from Knocknaheeny, was first elected to the then Cork Corporation in 1985. He represented the north-west ward for 25 years, topping the poll several times, and serving as lord mayor in 1997-99.

He won a bravery award in 2003 for helping to save two men from drowning in the Lee, left Fianna Fáil in 2007 to run as an Independent in the general election, and was honoured with a civic reception in 2010 to mark his quarter century in politics.

But the legend of local politics who was known to most as Davey Mac, died after a long battle with illness in April 2011. He was 66.

Lord Mayor Mary Shields performed the official naming ceremony, attended by dozens of Mr McCarthy’s friends from the worlds of politics and sport, particular St Vincent’s GAA club, of which his father was a founding member.

“I was personally very sad at Dave’s untimely death and a huge void was created on the city council. But his memory will live on in the naming of this road in his honour,” Ms Shields said.

Former councillor Michael O’Connell (Lab), who proposed that the road be named after Mr McCarthy, said: “I think Davey would get a great kick out of this.”

St Vincent’s GAA president William Leahy praised Mr McCarthy’s role in the €6m North Ridge Project which delivered new pitches for Na Piarsaigh, St Vincent’s, and Castleview AFC.

He said Mr McCarthy phoned former taoiseach Bertie Ahern when funding difficulties emerged and ensured Mr Ahern performed the official opening of some of the pitches. “Only Davey Mac could get the taoiseach down for that. Davey Mac was a marvellous man and his work will never be forgotten,” he said.